Also called pilot film, pilot tape. Television. a prototypical filmed or taped feature, produced with hopes of network adoption as a television series and aired to test potential viewer interest and attract sponsors.

10.

a preliminary or experimental trial or test:

The school will offer a pilot of its new computer course.

verb (used with object)

11.

to steer.

12.

to lead, guide, or conduct, as through unknown places, intricate affairs, etc.

13.

to act as pilot on, in, or over.

14.

to be in charge of or responsible for:

We're looking for someone to pilot the new project.

adjective

15.

serving as an experimental or trial undertaking prior to full-scale operation or use:

pilot

n.

1510s, "one who steers a ship," from Middle French pillote (16c.), from Italian piloto, supposed to be an alteration of Old Italian pedoto, which usually is said to be from Medieval Greek *pedotes "rudder, helmsman," from Greek pedon "steering oar," related to pous (genitive podos) "foot" (see foot (n.)). Change of -d- to -l- in Latin ("Sabine -l-") parallels that in odor/olfactory; see lachrymose.

Sense extended 1848 to "one who controls a balloon," and 1907 to "one who flies an airplane." As an adjective, 1788 as "pertaining to a pilot;" from 1928 as "serving as a prototype." Thus the noun pilot meaning "pilot episode" (etc.), attested from 1962. Pilot light is from 1890.

pilot

v.

1640s, "to guide, lead;" 1690s, "to conduct as a pilot," from pilot (n.) or from French piloter. Related: Piloted; piloting.